Don Schumacher confirmed that Jack Backman will be completing his licensing procedures in the Matco Tools Funny Car this weekend at IRP. Current driver Whit Bazemore is cool with the scenario citing that he understands the situation and doesn't blame Schumacher for "doing what he has to do."

Both Schumacher and Bazemore confirmed that his driver is still under contract until the end of the year.

The rumor mill was churning at a rapid pace yesterday with reports that Bazemore had been fired and escorted from the DSR property. All parties involved denied any such incident. The two even laughed a bit at the notion.

"Don told me at Indy that as if now he doesn't have a car for me to drive next year," Bazemore said. "I understand that. I look at the reality of it and I see it. It's my understanding that if something does come together that i will be the guy. In the meantime, I don't have a deal put together with Powers so I am in limbo. I'm working hard on that and one or two opportunities that might exist. I am still confident that I will race next year. I just don't know with who or what the situation will be."

Bazemore says that his involvement with a Matco Tools-sponsored car is not necessarily a given.

"I've been told that I am in the running for the job," Bazemore said. "They've had a lot of potential people. There are guys that are willing to work for a lot cheaper. I am not going to compromise myself for that. It's up to them."

Bazemore can't confirm whether or not he will drive the rest of the season. Unconfirmed rumors suggest Bazemore's departure will come as early as next week in Reading.

"I don't know how long I will continue to drive for Schumacher because that's up to him," said Bazemore. "If he takes me out of the car, I understand because it is business. We've had a great six years together. Don was hit pretty hard with this announcement at Indy. I don't think it was something he saw coming. He is scrambling to keep this team together. He is going to have to do what he has to do and if that means taking a driver with sponsorship then that's what he is going to have to do. I've been there before and I have to understand.

"We've talked about this but nothing is confirmed. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm not in the car at Indy...but again...nothing is confirmed. If it works for him I'm in favor of it. He has to look out for the guys on the team and himself. It's his team and he has to make sure it survives.

"I'll still get paid my contract but I will be disappointed if I don't get to drive. At the same time I understand it is business and not personal. on the same token, if something falls out of the sky and the sponsor wants a championship team, Don has told me that I will be the driver. "